Really Awesome Black Bean Brownies

I was looking for some delicious, but still healthy, treats to serve over the holidays. My friend, fellow holistic nutritionist and natural chocolatier, Rick Kohut, RNH, shared his recipe for a decadent, but much healthier, brownie. It’s gluten- and dairy-free. The black beans add protein and lots of fiber to help prevent the blood sugar spikes that occur with most brownies or sweets in general. No one will know there are black beans hidden in these treats. The raw cacao adds plentiful amounts of antioxidants. Rick aptly named them “really awesome.” Once you’ve tasted them you’ll know why. Enjoy!

Puree together in a food processor:

2 cups cooked black beans (unsalted)–If you’re using canned beans, be sure to choose a BPA-free can of beans such as Eden.
2 large eggs or egg substitute
1/2 cup honey or agave nectar
2 Tbsp organic raw cacao
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/3 cup coconut oil

Sift together then blend into wet ingredients:

1/2 cup organic raw cacao powder
2 Tbsp tapioca starch or corn starch
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp Himalayan crystal salt

1. Mix in 1/3 to 1/2 cup raw cacao nibs or dairy-free chocolate chips

2. Grease a small pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes. Allow to cool then cut into squares. Store in a sealed container in fridge or freezer. They are also great cold!

Let me know how you like them.

Source: Rick Kohut, RHN, Holistic Nutritionist and proprietor of Health Street.

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Mar B.

12:14AM PST on Jan 21, 2013

There is no leavening - is this correct or is it perhaps an omission?

January 21
send a green star

Jarmila B.

9:20AM PST on Jan 13, 2013

i will try it, looks great

January 13
send a green star

Heidi A.

4:04PM PST on Jan 5, 2013

I have read this recipe again and again. The ingredients sound plausible enough, I just have a hard time believing it can be flourless AND have correct consistency. It seems to me, these would be very, very, very dense. Almost to the point one would be eating a chocolatey goo.